佛祖統紀 1.79

1.79

The 'Devadatta' chapter states: 'The Buddha said: "In past immeasurable kalpas, I sought the Lotus Sūtra without sloth or fatigue. For many kalpas I constantly acted as a king, making the vow to seek unexcelled bodhi. Wishing to fulfill the six pāramitās, I diligently practiced giving, not begrudging my physical body or life. Renouncing the royal throne, I entrusted it to the crown prince and issued an order seeking the Dharma. At that time, there was an asita ṛṣi who came and addressed the king, saying: 'I have a Mahāyāna [text] named the Wondrous Dharma Lotus Sūtra; if you do not disobey me, I shall expound it for you.' Hearing the ṛṣi's words, the king leaped with joy, and immediately followed the ṛṣi, supplying all that was needed, gathering fruit, drawing water, collecting firewood, preparing food, and even using his own body as a couch and seat, without sloth or fatigue in body and mind. Universally for the sake of all sentient beings, he diligently sought the great Dharma, and consequently attained Buddhahood. The king at that time was indeed my own person; the ṛṣi at that time was Devadatta. It was through Devadatta as a good friend that I was caused to be complete in the six pāramitās."'